If you have ever been woken up in the middle of the night by an annoyed partner, you are probably already aware that you snore in your sleep. Did you know that a cosmetic dentist can help you solve that problem, and determine if your condition is more serious?

Approximately 90 million people in the United States snore in their sleep, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association. An estimated one-half of those individuals may suffer from a more serious sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Do I Really Have A Sleep-Related Disorder?

Sleep-disturbed breathing occurs when the tongue or other soft tissues in the mouth block airways in the upper respiratory tract. The vibration of the tissues causes you to snore and may even stop your breathing for seconds at a time.

Snoring is one of the most common types of sleep disorders. While it may not seem like much more than a nuisance to your partner, chronic snoring can be a sign of OSA, which causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night. You need to see a specialist to be formally diagnosed with OSA, but long-term treatment is essential. Other signs include:

-Fatigue even after a full night’s rest

-Difficulty with memory

-Frequent headaches in the morning

-Depression and irritability

-Difficulty concentrating on daily tasks

-Lowered libido

When left untreated, sleep-related disorders can lead to other serious conditions, including:

-High blood pressure

-Decreased blood-oxygen levels

-Stroke

-Heart attack

-Sudden death while sleeping

Getting treatment now can help you reduce your risk of these serious consequences. Dr. Price is an expert in dental sleep medicine and can customize a treatment plan for your unique condition.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Researchers in dental sleep medicine have developed different types of oral appliances to help patients with sleep-related disorders. These devices look similar to mouth guards but are custom made to fit your mouth comfortably and are designed to realign the jaw and mouth structures while keeping airways open throughout the night. There are two main categories:

Tongue-Retaining Appliance: This type gently pulls the tongue forward with light suction to prevent it from falling back against the upper airways. It is an ideal treatment option for snoring and mild sleep apnea.

Mandibular Repositioning Appliance: This device may be better suited for mild to moderate cases of OSA. It repositions the lower jaw forward and helps maintain that position. Its function causes the tongue to pull forward, strengthening the muscles to form a more rigid structure.

The Benefits of Oral Appliances

Dental devices are safe and effective alternatives to other treatment options. Many patients prefer dental solutions from their cosmetic dentists for the following reasons.

-Due to their customization, oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear

-Appliances are simpler than CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) devices, which involve wearing a mask that delivers a constant stream of air

-Oral therapy is a preferred alternative to surgical approaches, which may require long recovery periods

Get the Gift of Good Sleep (and Improved Health)

Oral appliance therapy is an ongoing treatment process that begins with an initial evaluation, where Dr. Ginger Price will perform an examination and determine the severity of your sleep condition. Dr. Price and her team will then determine the best type of oral appliance and perform a custom fitting. Patients report that the adjustment period only lasts a couple of weeks. Ongoing care involving periodic follow-ups is an important part of the therapy process.

Dr. Price has studied with pioneers in the field of dental sleep medicine and is fully qualified to provide you with all of your treatment options. Good sleep leads to good health ̶ isn’t it time to make it a priority?

Contact the team at Ginger Price DDS to learn more about oral appliance therapy.